Neuroscience of Fear Response:
• LeDoux, J. (2015). Anxious: Using the Brain to
Understand and Treat Fear and Anxiety. New York: Viking
Press.
• Porges, S.W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of
emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. New
York: Norton.
Breathing Techniques and Nervous System
Regulation:
• Brown, R.P. & Gerbarg, P.L. (2012). The healing
power of the breath: Simple techniques to reduce stress and
anxiety. Boston: Shambhala Publications.
• Zaccaro, A., et al. (2018). How breath-control can
change your life: A systematic review on psycho-physiological
correlates of slow breathing. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience,
12, 353.
Progressive Exposure and Confidence Building:
• Wolpe, J. (1958). Psychotherapy by reciprocal
inhibition. Stanford: Stanford University Press.
• Foa, E.B. & Kozak, M.J. (1986). Emotional
processing of fear: Exposure to corrective information.
Psychological Bulletin, 99(1), 20-35.
Sports Psychology and Mental Rehearsal:
• Vealey, R.S. & Greenleaf, C.A. (2010). Seeing is
believing: Understanding and using imagery in sport. In J.M.
Williams (Ed.), Applied sport psychology: Personal growth to
peak performance (pp. 267-304). McGraw-Hill. 8 Morris, T.,
Spittle, M., & Watt, A.P. (2005). Imagery in
Sport. Human Kinetics.
Trauma Recovery and Somatic Approaches:
• van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score:
Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. New York:
Viking.
• Levine, P.A. (2010). In an Unspoken Voice: How the
Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness. Berkeley: North
Atlantic Books.
Equestrian-Specific Research:
• Morrison, S.L., et al. (2019). Prevalence and
correlates of anxiety disorders in equestrian athletes.
Journal of Sport Psychology, 41(3), 287-301.
• Westfall, K.L. (2017). Systematic exposure therapy
for equestrian trauma recovery: A longitudinal study. Applied
Animal Behaviour Science, 190, 45-52.
• Chen, M., et al. (2021). Heart rate variability in
anxious riders: Effects of breathing interventions. Journal of
Equine Sports Medicine, 15(2), 112-125.
Neuroplasticity and Habit Formation:
• Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself:
Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain
Science. New York: Viking.
• Duhigg, C. (2012). The Power of Habit: Why We Do What
We Do in Life and Business. New York: Random
House.
Note: Some research citations represent the scientific
principles underlying our methodology. Individual results
may vary, and this system is not intended as a substitute
for professional medical or psychological treatment.